By Myrek Zastavnyi
Electricity bills continue to rise across New York State, with residents paying significantly more than the national average, according to recent data from the Empire Center for Public Policy and the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Statewide, the average residential electricity price in November 2025 stood at 26.49 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) — nearly 50% higher than the national average. That figure places New York among the top 10 most expensive states for household electricity costs in the country. Prices have climbed steadily over the past year and are rising faster in New York than in many other states.
Locally, residents of Warwick and Orange County are feeling the impact of those statewide trends. Recent EnergySage data indicates that electricity in Warwick averages about 24 cents per kWh — roughly 28% above the national average and closely tracking the state’s high overall rate. Based on typical usage patterns, Warwick households may spend about $270 per month or more on electricity bills.
The broader picture shows that while electricity prices are rising nationwide, New York’s costs have diverged upward from the rest of the country over the past several years. Since 2019, average electricity prices in the state have increased faster than the national average, reversing a long-term trend toward convergence.
The explanation for persistently high electricity prices in New York involves multiple factors:
- Fuel and generation costs — New York’s electricity mix and fuel supply constraints can contribute to higher wholesale prices that are passed on to consumers.
- Grid maintenance and upgrades — Investments in aging infrastructure, transmission improvements, and weather-resilience projects are often recovered through higher rates.
- Regulatory costs — Fees and surcharges tied to state clean energy mandates and renewable incentives can also influence overall bills.
By comparison, other states in the Northeast also rank among the most expensive in the nation, with Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island reporting similar or higher average residential rates. Meanwhile, states in regions such as the South and Midwest continue to report substantially lower prices.
Natural gas prices in New York, another major household energy cost, are also above the national average. In November 2025 they averaged $17.95 per thousand cubic feet, ranking the state 19th highest nationally and about 20% above the U.S. average.
Affordability concerns have drawn attention from lawmakers and consumer advocates. Some officials argue that high energy costs are a significant factor in the overall cost of living in the state, pushing for changes to energy policy and greater support for cost-saving measures.
For Warwick residents, the high price of electricity underscores the importance of considering energy-saving strategies — including efficient appliances, weatherization, and exploring alternative providers where available in the deregulated energy market.
As electricity costs continue to rise, paying close attention to usage and seeking ways to manage bills may become increasingly essential for many local households across the region.
